A Florida woman Apprehended after over 30 malnourished dogs were recovered from a Mulberry property nearly a month ago.
Jennifer Flott was arrested on various charges, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, including six counts of torment, deprivation, mutilation, or death of any animal; severe animal cruelty; and impounding/confining an animal without adequate food and water.
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Officials claimed they were summoned to the property, located along Laurel Crest Drive in Mulberry, on February 20 after receiving an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip indicating canines were in terrible condition and potentially dangerous. The information also suggested that the two owners, one of whom is Flott, had not been seen at the property in a long time, according to detectives.
A PCSO animal control officer responded to the premises and eventually convinced Flott to come observe the animals. Prior to that, other males on the site informed the officer that there was no running water or electricity, according to Flott’s arrest affidavit.
When Flott arrived, animal control authorities discovered three dogs wandering the premises, all of which appeared underweight and emaciated, according to officials. Two more dogs were discovered locked in a big chain-link kennel, with no food or water.
According to the arrest complaint, animal control authorities discovered puppies that appeared to be two weeks old in a wooden box.
After that, investigators said the other owner came at the scene and gave a key to a camper on the property, where many pets were discovered, including a dead dog trapped in a kennel in the process of decomposing. The cops were unsure how many dogs were inside the trailer because they suspected Flott was attempting to conceal the number of animals.
All the animals were surrendered and removed from the property. According to the PCSO, 31 canines were seized, including the dog found dead. Flott was booked into jail on Thursday and made her first court appearance on Friday.
It was not immediately clear whether the canines’ other owner will face charges as well.
